New member- just discovered site

[graham722]

Hey there,
This is Graham. I discovered the site just by following links around from nashvillemtnbike and the TN Sorba page. I've re-discovered my love of mountain biking and figured joining Sorba/Imba was something I should do.

I live in Nashville (Bellevue), but grew up in Dickson, just a few miles from MB. I pretty much grew up in MB, actually, but that was before the trails were there. I think I probably have seen several of you guys over the years.

I Got into mtn biking when I lived in Florida (7 years '91-'98). I got a road bike 2 years ago and have been only riding pavement since, but my buddy and I hit Lock 4 again a few weeks ago and I am dumbfounded to explain why I ever put it down. Mainly lack of folks to ride with, I guess. After one particular endo at HC, I stopped riding by myself so much. I've been working with Team In Training and am currently a captain/mentor for their cycle team training for El Tour de Tucson.

I love the road riding, but am absolutely fired up to get back on trails. I'm currently shopping for a new ride and welcome any suggestions. I've been leaning towards the Gary Fisher HiFi models or possibly the Supercaliber (I've had 2 Fishers and loved 'em both), or Trek Fuel EX 8 (How do you like yours, BP?). That should give you my general price range, although I need to find a deal to swing it. Never had full suspension, but I know I want one.

THere you have it! Everything important about me. Wait - one more thing. Confession: I have ridden trails off and on for 10+ years and have never been on a work crew. I need to do some official trail maintenance before my karma catches up on me.

Other than that, Let's ride!

-graham

[FullSquishy]

Welcome to the forum Graham we are glad to have you. There are normally a lot of rides posted on here pretty much daily. Just post up on one and show up. We all love company.

[Lefty Scott]

Hey Graham,

Welcome back to mountain biking! Hope to see you on the trail some day.
Not sure what size you are, but Doug(in another post) has a sweet deal on a Santa Cruz. I think it is a Med. Happy shopping. Lots of great choices! Scott.

[twolfcon]

Trek Fuel EX 8 (How do you like yours, BP?).

-graham

:welcome: to the board Graham!

I love the EX8, great bike!

Glad to see you made it back to the dirty side. :thumb:

[graham722]

Thanks for the tip on the Santa Cruz, Scott. That's another bike that I've looked hard at, but I think the Medium is probably too small. I'm 6' and have always gone with a Large frame. Still, maybe I'll give Doug a shout.

[BBRO]

WELCOME G722.I LIVE IN BURNS,BEHIND THE DRIVE-IN.I RIDE THE BELL ALOT,SO POST UP AND WE CAN RIDE.IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE TRAIL ,I COULD GIVE A TOUR.

[graham722]

Thanks Brian, I've been out there only 3 times but am planning on a lot more. Pretty much always get lost trying to find my way back, but it's always fun.I did the Green trail for the first time the other week. I'd love to get together and ride it. I am busy today from 11 - maybe 3 or 4, but would be interested in heading out there afterwards if you want to meet up.

I grew up on Ridgecrest Drive and my folks are still there, probably 2 miles from your place. Used to ride my little road bike all over Jones Creek and Rock Church Rds (and beyond).

[kindacreeky]

I live west of Bellevue, off McCrory Lane. MB is my primary riding trail. I was one of the builders on some of the Green and on all of the Yellow trail a few years back. Anyway, I am still involved in trail maintenance out there so watch for a post of a workday. I ride out at MB at least one afternoon per week and sometimes two. Watch for my posts on riding.

On the subject of the Blur. I have a med. blur (classic) and i am just shy of 5 ft 10 in. I installed a long stem, and think that I am the tallest that should ride this size. The Blur XC has a 1/2" longer top tube, so it might fit a little longer frame than my Classic. I was on middle on the charts between the large and med. I went for med. and love the fit, and the bike. My friend is just a half inch taller and he got the large Blur XC and he is happy on it. My bet is that at 6 ft, you are needing the Lrg.

[graham722]

Thanks! Yeah, I decided the medium is too small for sure, I just wanted to believe otherwise because that seems like a great deal for a great bike.

We're just a few miles from each other, actually. I live in the Harpeth Trace neighborhood, about 5 miles from there. I'd love to hit the Bell after work, but I'd probably have to get off early to make it in time, with the traffic what it is and the shorter days. Definitely post up, though, if you're headed that way. I'm a computer guy so I'm at my desk all day, and leave the forum up quite a bit, now that I'm on it.

[jbarber]

Welcome to the board. This board is very useful in many ways. Whether it's meeting people, buying parts, getting advice on bikes, parts, trails, etc. I ride MB with kindacreeky very often, great trails.

[graham722]

I'm leaving work now (vanderbilt) and am going to try and make it out to the Bell. Anyone headed that way and see me on my GF Kaitai, give a shout!

:thumb:

[WadePatton]

Welcome back to the woods. I've been off an on riding for a long time. Mostly "on" now-and forevermore. Comment 'bout FS. I went that route with a Turner in 1999. Got a SS HT in 2003 or so. Haven't ridden the Turner but a few times since and none in the last years.

Have one of each is probably the best dealio.

One HT, SS, FS, FR, 'cross, road, commuter, cruiser...something like that.:cyclist:

[graham722]

I got a sweet deal on an '08 Specialized Epic Comp from Mark out at Moab. Plus, he threw in his personal light set up (NiteRider Trinewt) for $150, which he has only used for a year. Which means I'm riding day and night!

:chewie0ol:

[WadePatton]

You do know that one Mark year equals about six Wade years don't you? :big_grin: I'm working on that.

Good deal. Mark got me off junk in the 90's. So you're out riding right now aren't you?

[TNcaveman]

I got a sweet deal on an '08 Specialized Epic Comp from Mark out at Moab. Plus, he threw in his personal light set up (NiteRider Trinewt) for $150, which he has only used for a year. Which means I'm riding day and night!

:chewie0ol:

Awesome bike - you'll love it! And awesome light too.

Welcome to NMB also.

Steve

[dirtdog]

We hope to meet you at the L4 night ride Tuesday. Be sure and introduce yourself. The ride and the HC work day on Saturday will be a great way to meet the gang.
Welcome to TN MTB...

[graham722]

We hope to meet you at the L4 night ride Tuesday.

I sure hope to be there. I plugged the trinewt battery in all night last night but now that I plug it into the light, I can't seem to get it to work. :frown: